[Short Summary of What's to Come]

  Hey again reader! We've made it so far into the story now! Today, you've officially crossed into The Containment War Arc! Congratz! I just wanted to thank you for reading this far. It truly means the world to me, seriously! Okay, now to explain on what's to come in this arc. From this point on, things are about to get a lot more serious. I plan to bring in more characters, action-packed battles, arrival of terrifying Echos, a darker tone, and slowly reveal the truth behind the Artifact that Hikari holds. The party will also perhaps start to unravel the mysteries behind the breach so stay tuned for that!

  The main focus of this arc is the party coming face to face against the dangerous Echos lurking in Hikari's world and the threats are stronger than ever! I promise the lighthearted chaos isn't going anywhere, but this time, it comes with Emanation action, hard choices, and the fight for Hikari's world! Expect every chapter to be filled with Echos left and right, intense battles will unfold as the party continue their journey.

  With that said... before we dive in into another party banter, starring yours truly. Please let me know If you have any questions about the story or your thoughts on it so far. I'd love to hear from you. Feedback is always welcome! Whether you think something's missing or you're enjoying it as is, I'm open to improving wherever I can. I want this story to be as exciting and meaningful for you as it is for me. Thanks again for joining me on this journey. I hope you enjoy what comes next because you're in for a horrific ride! And I'll see you again in this Arc's Epilogue later down the path!

  Now, let's have a little off-canon moment with the team, shall we?

  [Enjoy the Following Party Banter...]

  Location: Somewhere outside Echohold-09.

  Time of Day: Afternoon

  The air was still... until the camera (or... narrative?) zoomed in on the party standing awkwardly outside a loading bay, just... waiting.

  Slayer blinked first. "Wait, this feels weird. Why are we just standing here like NPCs with no quest triggers?"

  Hikari glanced around. "...Did someone forget about us or just forgot to write the next scene?"

  "I knew we should've packed snacks," Slayer muttered, snapping his fingers.

  Just then, the loading bay gate creaked open and I stepped through. "Hey everyone!"

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  The entire party turned toward me like if I was some kind of unexpected Echo.

  "...Hm? Is that the writer again?" Lumina asked, narrowing her eyes.

  "Tch, you're late," Captain said flatly.

  "Hey, better late than never, especially when I come carrying lore bombs." I replied cheerfully.

  Slayer perked up. "Ooh, we doing that fourth wall thing again? Awee mann I actually love these!"

  Lumina crossed her arms. "If you're here to announce our suffering, just get it over with."

  "Actually," I said, "this is just a quick peek behind the curtain before we dive in. Y'know... let the readers see what you're like before the chaos starts."

  Captain scowled. "Great, so a pre-trauma check-in."

  "I call this the 'calm before the punch to the soul' segment," I nodded. "It's totally industry standard."

  Slayer grinned beneath his helmet. "Okay serious question writer, are we getting cooler attacks this upcoming arc?"

  "Uhh... you might get to punch things through walls," I said, throwing a mock punch into the air.

  "I'm in!" Slayer shouted, thrusting a fist skyward.

  Hikari tilted her head, raising her hand timidly. "U-uhm... by any chance... are we going to lose anyone?"

  I blinked, crossing my arms. "Emotionally... or physically?"

  "Yeah... that's not a comforting answer at all." She said with a deadpan stare.

  Lumina sighed. "So what now, writer?"

  "Now?" I shrugged. "I say a few vague things, applause a little for you guys, tease your emotional battles, and then fade into a mysterious exit."

  I then pointed at them one by one as I spoke. "Slayer's hyped as always, Captain's pretending he doesn't care, Hikari's locked in with full resolve." And Lumina..." I smirked. "...is already ten percent done with me."

  "You're not completely wrong," Lumina muttered.

  "Can we please start the real chapter before I get violent?!" Captain snapped.

  "Fine fine, but before we do," I tilted my head toward Slayer. "Slayer, would you be so kind to end us off with your usual routine please."

  "Don't mind if I do!" Slayer stepped forward, dramatically pointing straight at the screen.

  "Next time on Beyond the Breach Z! Will Captain finally admit he likes us? Will Hikari find her one and only? Will Lumina actually reveal her alternate form again this upcoming arc?!"

  "I'll use it on you if you keep talking," Lumina said flatly, hand on her blade.

  "I'll only admit it once you're out of my sight for good," Captain muttered.

  "...What does that even suppose to mean?" Hikari asked, tilting her head.

  Slayer flashed a thumbs-up. "Good to se everyone is hyped, haha!"

  I gave a final wave. "Alright, back to your regularly scheduled narrative. Emanation up because this arc is gonna hit harder than Slayer's shield!" With a salute, I faded out. The party stood in silence.

  "...This universe gets weirder and weirder every day," Captain muttered.

  "Anyway!" Hikari chimed brightly, turning toward you. "See you in the next chapter, where things officially get dangerous." She winked.

  Slayer leapt forward, striking an overblown heroic pose. "Cue the theme music please! It's time to Breach the war!"

  Hikari laughed, then with a grand FWOOSH! she yanked the stage curtains shut. DA-DUNNN! Overly dramatic music blasted as the screen slammed to black.

  Next Chapter – The Story So Far... Slayer swears it's his recap episode. Trust me it's not.